What to Write in a Mother's Day Card - Mother's Day Messages

Regardless of how much we love our mothers, expressing our affection and admiration for them each Mother’s Day can still be difficult. How do you encapsulate a lifetime’s worth of support and memories into a single verse or couplet? Because, sometimes, a ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ card message is just not enough; you need to, in classic mom-style, cook up something special

If you’re not a master wordsmith but want to make this Mother’s Day extra special, fear not! Let us lend a hand in crafting the perfect message for your Mother’s Day card. We’ve compiled a list of heartfelt messages and quotes guaranteed to tug at your mom’s heartstrings or tickle her funny bone. Whether you’re writing to your mom, grandma, or mother-in-law, we’ve got you covered with sentiments that’ll leave them feeling truly appreciated and loved.

The Mother of all Messages

We’ll begin with the OG: your very own mother, mom, or mum (though not necessarily your biological mother). Thanking your mother for her warmth, wisdom, and hard work is part of preparing a Mother’s Day card ideas and gift, but if you’re still struggling wit

Mom, you make this house a home. Thank you. 

I’m so proud to be your son/daughter – thank you for being such a great role model!

I’ve got your back, because you’ve always got mine.

You’ve always filled my heart and life with love.

Mom, you’re my superhero. Happy Mother’s Day!

Elegant Text Photo Mother's Day Card
I've got your back mom Mother's Day Card
Watercolor Floral Mother's Day Card

Grand Gestures for Grandma

Second only to mothers in most people’s hearts are our grandmothers – since they’re like second mothers! Town and Country suggests that one strategy for writing Mother’s Day cards could be to “recall a day when you did something fun with your [grandmother].” This could be an ordinary, everyday activity, like running errands, or a memorable, once-off memory, like an overseas vacation. If you’re unsure of what to write about, however, you can always try these:

You’re my favorite person to spend time with! Thank you, Nana.

Grandma, your love knows no bounds, and your kindness touches everyone you meet. Thank you for being the heart of our family. 

Everything I know about motherhood, I’ve learned from you. 

For all the love, laughter, and wisdom you’ve given us, Grandma, we’re forever grateful. Happy Mother’s Day to an extraordinary woman who means the world to us!

May all the love you give to others come back to you on this special day. 

Bright Floral Mother's Day Photo Card for Grandma
Pink Floral Mother's Day Photo Card for Grandma
Mother's Day Photocard for Nana Card

First Mom & Mother-To-Be Ideas

Becoming a mother for the first time is such a momentous occasion: they have so many milestones – and sleepless nights – to look forward to, don’t they? The least you can do is to provide reassurance and support, reminding them of how good a mother they are, and how there are plenty of good mothers around to help! To do so, consider using one of the below greetings. You could even arrange it so that the card is ‘from’ the newborn baby!

Your children are blessed to have you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Seeing how much you love your kids makes me so proud. 

Congratulations on joining the ‘Mom Club’ – we’re delighted to have you as a member!

You’ve always been a kind, loving daughter, and now you’re a MOM… What a lucky baby!

To the wonderful woman who is embarking on the adventure of motherhood, Happy First Mother’s Day! You’re already rocking it!

Happy First Mother's Day Floral Pink Holiday Card
1st Mother's Day - Special Daughter - Baby Carriag Card
1st Ever Mothers Day Cute Modern First Mom Card

Moms by Marriage

The bond between mothers and their sons or daughters-in-law is undeniably unique. United by their love for the same individual, they’re brought together in a special connection. While this shared affection can serve as a solid foundation for building rapport, it’s essential to recognize that relationships with mothers-in-law can be complex. There’s no pressure to overcompensate or force closeness, but always treat the relationship with sincerity and positivity. Here are some suggestions to bring those values into your messages: 

Thank you for always being there, and for welcoming me into your family. 

Happy Mother’s Day to an inspirational woman!

You are beautiful, generous, and strong. I feel lucky to call you my mother-in-law. Thank you for being you!

For a mother-in-law that makes every day better just by being the wonderful person she is. 

Thanks for the laughs, the listening, and the love. 

Purple Flowers Mother's Day Mother in Law Card
Mother-In-Law Card
Future Mother-in-Law Mother's Day Jar Vase Card

Perfect for Pet Moms

Even without children, you can still be a mother; your kids just happen to have more fur, claws, and specially catered-food. If your mother’s favorite child has four legs and a tail, then these messages and funny Mother’s Day cards will have her purring with satisfaction. Our funny Mother’s Day gifts, too, will be a hit with humans and pets alike!

Between us, it’s always been a case of puppy love!

Throughout it all, you’ve never strayed – even if I have. 

Life would be ruff without you! 

You are the most purr-fect mommy ever! (Now that’s out of the way, can you get me some tuna fish?)

Noses are pink, eyes are blue, you’re the best mom ever and the most loved too!

Mother's Day From Dog - Best Ever Dog Mom! Card
Best Dog Mom | Coral | Photo Mother's Day Card
Dog Mom From the Dog Mother's Day Card

From One Mother to Another

We now step into the category of ‘bonus moms’: the stepmothers, friends, and aunts who have always treated us with care and consideration. We’ve chosen manya host of alternative phrases, quotes, and designs to continue our list of suggestions. And if you’re wondering what the criteria for a bonus mom is, well, perhaps it’s someone who’s “constantly selfless,” according to Reader’s Digest. “They can be counted on to give [someone else] the last bite, even though they really want it.” We think that generosity of spirit deserves a special message or Mother’s Day sticker, don’t you?

Thanks for putting up with me – I know it hasn’t always been easy!

Your advice has meant the world to me.

Wishing you a day that’s full of love, comfort, and your favorite food!

I’ve always been able to tell you anything (so stay tuned for more)!

You’re a beautiful person, so have a beautiful day. 

Thank you for being such a wonderful mom! Happy Mother’s Day!

Family means a lot – especially when it’s filled with someone as special as you. 

You have always been there for me, and you’re as wonderful as they come. I am so lucky to have you as a friend!

If mothers were flowers, I’d pick you!

When I count my blessings, I count you twice!

To Aunt Mothers Day Love with Orange Card
Mother's Day Card Stepmom card Bonus Mom card
World's Best Bonus Mom Happy Mother's Day Pink
Stepmom Mothers Day Black White Rose And Hibiscus Card
Friend Mother's Day Card With Flowers And Butterfl
Mother I'd Pick You Wildflowers Mason Jar Holiday Card

Mom’s Favorite Character

Finally, there are those mothers who may or may not fall into any of the aforementioned categories, but who would nevertheless openly declare their love for you – and for, um, officially licensed merchandise. Perhaps you think of your mom as a female Captain America, like Captain Carter, or maybe she quite literally pulls the whole family together, like Elastigirl in The Incredibles. Regardless of what your mother’s magical ability or superpower is, there’s a Marvel quote or a Disney card to help you illustrate it on Zazzle. Remember to accompany your card with a well-earned cup of tea in bed, too: it’s what Mrs. Potts would do.

My mom is the greatest in the world!

Every mom is a Wonder Woman!

Happy Mother’s Day to Mrs. Incredible!

I’m a mom. What’s your superpower?

You’re the Kanga to my Roo!

Today’s the day you get to be treated like a princess!

Minnie Mouse - Flowers for Mom Card
Classic Captain America Mom Card
Dumbo and his Mother | Mother's Day Card
Incredibles 2 | Mrs. Incredible - Mother's Day Card
Mrs. Potts & Chip - Better Together Card
You're The Wonder Woman Everyone Wishes They Had Card

With your Mother’s Day card – or maybe even your Mother’s Day invitations – written up, the last step is to pair it with one of our Mother’s Day gifts. Take a look at our “Gifts for Mom” and “Gifts for Mothers-in-Law” articles to see some recommendations, or even to our DIY Body Scrub for Mom article if you’re feeling DIY-y!

Regardless of how you choose to wish your mother, aunt, friend, or local dog owner a ‘Happy Mother’s Day,’ it’s the thought that counts. It’s clichéd advice, but you should write from the heart – that’s what Mom would want!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2022 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.